Lovin' the Rugrats

As I'm heading into daddydom I find myself thinking about how life is going to change and what it will be like having a little one around. Then I realized, I already have four great examples of how it is going to be right around me all the time. These four examples are our nieces and nephews, Marin, Sam, Sarah, and Dinah. These little guys have been giving us all kinds of experience with the exciting times ahead for Ash and I. So I figured I'd just share a few pictures of some of the fun times we've had together.

Marin is the oldest, so he's first. Sorry Dinah, but I'm the oldest too, and I make the rules here. Here Ash and I are with Marin sporting our cool psychedelic glasses. Just pop a pair of these bad boys on and you are set to see angels, bells, noel, or even a light bulb when you look at a light. This is a Christmas tradition around the Wallace house. As the oldest, he has a hard job to do, has to do everything first. Not just for his parents, but for his grandparents and his aunts and uncles. All of us adults push the oldest ahead and it is our first time too having a child, nephew, or grandchild, so thanks for being willing to take the first step with us.

Sam is next. We don't have a picture of us posed with Sam, but if you know Sam, you know why. When it comes to pictures, Sam is a bit camera shy. Usually he looks the other way. This picture is a good one though, somewhat representative of him coming out of his shell for the picture.

As the second, Sam teaches us that not all our kids will be the same. Each have their own personality, and we as parents need to adjust accordingly to the personality of each of our children. Sam shows us a sensitive caring side. He also stops us if we start to eat before praying. Thanks for being there for us Sam and keeping us in line.

Sarah is next. As the first girl, Sarah shows us the cuteness that a little girl can bring to the family. Sarah is the first one who was so adventurous and independent while at the same time having a quiet, shy side. She has that little smile which is a ray of sunshine and reminds us as that these little people can provide quite a bit of happiness. Sarah is tough to, you know she has a big brother. And with my experience as a big brother, I know she gets picked on sometimes.

Finally there is Dinah, the youngest. If I were to describe Dinah in one word I think it would have to be generous. Although she is only 18 or so months old, she has learned as the youngest, you have a little more freedom, but you have to give a little too. With older cousins running around, you are basically always sharing their stuff, or your stuff is shared with them. I guess that is why Dinah finds it fun to just walk around, pick things up, then hand them to someone. Dinah is also her own person and will tell you if you aren't doing things the way she expects.


Thanks to all of you for being who you are. Thanks for all of the fun times and the smile. And thanks for being there to give me a little preview of the fun it is to have you little rugrats around.